Well after a long time away, I am back. My last entry was in 2013...I had went from 208 lbs to 181 (I only had 11 lbs to lose before reaching my to goal of 170).

But at 181 lbs, I began to look & feel better so I relaxed (WAY TOO MUCH)! Gradually, I gained nearly all the weight I had previously lost, back.

Last week I stepped on the scales and weighed a hefty 200.1 lbs. I have increased nearly 2 sizes in jeans during the past year and a half, That in itself, was depressing. But the ah-ha moment came when I recently viewed a photo of myself which showed just how fat I had allowed myself to become.

On Thursday, March 2nd, I came home & removed every unhealthy food from my kitchen. I have been counting calories and controlling my portion sizes, since. I've only lost 1.7 lbs but, not bad for five days!

I feel good that I am doing something about this before I head back down the road of morbid obesity, insulin shots, high blood-pressure, high-cholesterol, and low, low, low self-esteem! That was my life, many years ago, in 2000 when I weighed 339 lbs. Those pounds did not 'sneak' up on me. They were the result of my eating whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted, for years on end.

I feel blessed to have finally gotten to a place in my life where I have the willingness to address this! Last time I lost weight, I used a FitBit to keep track of steps taken & calories burned. It was fun challenging myself to walk further and further, each week. I sometimes walked 4 or 5 miles. It was inspriting! That FitBit died, a couple years ago. I ordered a new one from Amazon.com this morning. It should be here Friday. Spring is coming. The weather will be beautiful...I'm excited about walking again!

grannyannie on 03/08/2017:
Welcome back. You sound very motivated and you had a huge loss before and you will do it again. Slowly but surely....

Horn_Of_Plenty on 03/08/2017:
Your loss of "only" 1.7lbs is a huge loss for "only" five days. I hope to lose that much in 1-2 months. take your time and give yourself credit for your hard work already.

And remember how good it feels to be at the lighter weights. Calories counting will be GREAT for you...as that's the key to weight loss.

Yes, do something about it before you head down the even more unhealthy road. Your health is in YOUR hands. Don't worry...you'll get there. just stick with it!

Lost 2 pounds! I'm heading in the right direction again :) Been trying to get more exercise, am watching what I eat, and paying closer attention to portion control. Only 11 more pounds until I reach my goal.

Progress as of today: 27 lbs lost so far, only 11 lbs to go!

OhioRaven on 06/12/2013:
Good to see you back, Sis. Have a Great Day !

Good morning everyone! I've been going through a period of depression and unfortunately, I've been eating in an effort to self-soothe. I gained 7 pounds (yikes!) I am on medication, and it does help but I need to get my butt back on track!

My plan: clean out cupboards and refrigerator; toss out everything unhealthy! Go to the store and buy lean meats, fresh produce, and healthy snacks. Practice portion control and get more exercise! These are the things that have worked for me before!

OhioRaven on 05/19/2013:
Hi, SIS. Where is Mr. Wonderful taking you hiking? Have you ever been to the Taylorsville dam area around North Dayton?

mylilsista on 05/20/2013:
We went to several parks (Clifton Gorge, John Bryant). Hiked about 4 miles--was good exercise! I haven't heard of Taylorville Dam..I'll have to look at up! :)

V on 05/20/2013:
Way to go Lisa!! Congrats on your loss and it is always nice to get positive feedback on how fabulous ya look :) That is also cool that the new guy in your life is active! Is it the same guy that you had a date with a few weeks ago? Have a good evening!

Good morning Peeps! I had a really good food day yesterday (did great with portion control). I haven't been going to the gym lately because the weather has been so nice. Instead, I've been taking walks and doing a lot of yard work (good exercise!) I may go to the gym today just to do some toning up. I'm determined to hit my goal of 170 this summer!

Good Morning Everyone! I haven't made a diary entry in a while. I weighed in this morning and learned I'd lost 3 more pounds (winning!) I haven't went to the gym in a while. Since the weather is consistently nice, I've been walking and doing yard work. This weeks goal is to drink more water and less coffee. Have a great day!!

Lisa

Progress as of today: 24 lbs lost so far, only 14 lbs to go!

JBGirl on 05/04/2013:
Hi, I'm JBGirl! Ohh I love coffee but try and use coconut/almond milk instead. I think the cream is about 120 cal in just half a cup. Good job on the weight loss. Keep it up!

Puddles on 05/04/2013:
congrats - very good job. Have a great day. Enjoy the weather.

OhioRaven on 05/05/2013:
Sis, you are a winner ! Yes, the weather around here has been nice and I find myself more and more outside. Now, drink your water.

Good news! I think the weight gain I wrote about in my last entry was water retention and bloating. I've been urinating a lot the past couple days, since I cut down significantly on caffeine. I weighed this morning to see if it made and difference and I'm down to 187. Note to self: stop drinking coffee, all day, as if it were water!

Anyhoo...I think I've grown bored of my low-calorie meal choices so I've been researching recipes on the Internet. I came across several sites that have low-calorie Chinese recipes complete with nutritional information. I need more vegetables in my diet and many of the recipes I found, incorporates veggies into their entrees. None of the recipes I found were over 400 calories per serving. I compiled a list of ingredients and went shopping at Walmart. I purchased a wok and tonight I plan to try my first Chinese recipes! I'll post the results!

Have a great Thursday!

Lisa

Progress as of today: 21 lbs lost so far, only 17 lbs to go!

Puddles on 04/04/2013:
I too love my stir fry and I use broth instead of oil to start it of. It sure reduces the calories and with the spices makes a great dish. Enjoy your wok and have a great day.

legcramps on 04/04/2013:
Awesome, good luck with the recipe tonight! Share it if it turns out well :)

lolla on 04/04/2013:
WOW! good for you! It must feel great to see the scale moving. keep at it.

getmebackto150 on 04/04/2013:
Have a great day! Yay for getting rid of water weight! That is a big difference, great job!!

V on 04/04/2013:
Look at you GO Lisa! That is awesome :) Okay RYC I am going to guesstimate because I haven't counted calories in a few years but here is what i came up with.. 1 cup of unsweetened Almond Breeze Almond/Coconut milk 45 calories, 1 scoop of Unflavored 100% Whey protein(GNC Pro Performance), 130 calories, 1/2 banana and 3 whole strawberries 70? maybe less? calories and 1 tsp of natural peanut butter(unsweetened just peanuts and salt)45 calories.. Side note about the fruit, I buy it fresh and freeze it so i don't have to dilute/water down my shakes with ice cubes..

Good morning Peeps! Well, I weighed in today and was disappointed to learn I'd gained 4 pounds. I'm not surprised however, because to be honest, I've gotten too relaxed and certainly haven't put much effort into this-- the past couple weeks. Instead of beating myself up, I decided to rededicate myself to what was working prior to my becoming lazy. The past couple of days were nice; I got out and took the dogs for a walk. The weather is cooler today, however. So I plan to either dress in layers and go for a nice, long walk or, I'll go to the gym. Hope everyone has an awesome April 1st!

Lisa

Progress as of today: 15 lbs lost so far, only 23 lbs to go!

Puddles on 04/01/2013:
Good luck with your new dedication to your plan. Have a great day.

supercheese on 04/01/2013:
Good plan!! You can always turn yourself around :)

Hello Everyone! I haven't made an entry in a while so, it's time to update.

First, I've been maintaining at 189 lbs-- which I'm okay with at the moment. My doctor has been making medication changes so my body is adjusting & my energy levels are fluctuating.

Secondly, the date I had with the salesman whom sold me my truck, was terrible! The man was so full of himself & extremely negative; it was draining just to be exposed to him. Even after I made it clear that I didn't want to go out with him again, he repeatedly called me and raged on the other end of the phone about various subjects. I finally cut him off and quit answering his calls. Thank goodness, he quit calling (whew!)

Finally, I'm back to job-searching. Turns out the part-time job I was given was more of a fill-in-as-needed position (and I haven't been needed lately). It's nothing I can depend on. I've been submitting resumes and have been called for several interviews. However, for every one position open, there are a multitude of people competing for that job. So far, someone else has been hired in each of those positions. So, the search continues!

I'm keeping an upbeat attitude about all this! Spring is here and hopefully the weather will warm up soon! I can't wait to go walking and hiking!

Have a great day everyone!!!!

Progress as of today: 19 lbs lost so far, only 19 lbs to go!

legcramps on 03/22/2013:
Hope you're able to find employment soon; it's a zoo out there!

mylilsista on 03/22/2013:
Thx for the encouragement! Hopefully, you're right and I'll find something soon :)